Ricky Martin

Given the surprisingly soft performance of Ricky Martin's second English language album, Sound Loaded, 2001's La Historia attempted to direct fans back to what attracted them to him in the first place: his voice and smoldering sensuality. A collection of Martin's biggest Spanish language hits, La Historia reaffirms that he didn't become a star just because of his good looks; tracks such as "Vuelve," "Bella (She's All I Ever Had)," and "El Amor de Mi Vida" are reminders that his singing is just as appealing as his face. Spanish and "Spanglish" versions of hits like "Maria," "Livin' La Vida Loca," "She Bangs," and "Bombon de Azucar" appeal to both Martin's longtime fans and more recent, predominantly English-speaking ones, and the mix of ballads such as "Perdido Sin Ti" and up-tempo tracks like "La Bomba" is arguably more fluid and convincing than on Martin's albumsen Ingles. For all of his fans, La Historia serves as a welcome reminder of -- or introduction to -- some of Ricky Martin's best moments. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide